Sam Shields won’t let money change the way he plays

Packers cornerback Sam Shields isn’t that far removed from signing as an undrafted rookie, and being glad for a $7,500 signing bonus.

So he said his four-year, $39 million contract signed this offseason wouldn’t change the way he plays.

Shields, who went from a late conversion from wide receiver in college to one of the best cover men in the game, said his original drive was still there.

“Nah, it won’t. I’m going to keep continuing to work my butt off, make plays and hopefully down the line get another one. It’s just the beginning,” Shields said, via Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com. “I still sit back and think about what I went through when I first started, when I switched to D. I sit and talked to my friends and family about it. It still amazes me, like ‘Hey, I’m in this position.’ It’s all a blessing.”

Of course, there’s a little more of a burden of expectation on Shields, since he’s the Packers’ third-highest-paid player, behind Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

“Sam’s best football is still in front of him. I honestly believe he has two more years of ascending and then he’s going to play at that level for another four years. That’s six years of just really good football ahead of him,” cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said. “He might have more. I don’t know what he’s going to have after that, but I see two more years of getting better and four more of holding that type of high quality play.

“When Sam walked into the room four years ago in 2010, he was the ninth guy and he ended up starting against Philly in the very first game [as the third cornerback in the nickel defense]. If you work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are. If you work hard and you show that you’re the guy that can make plays, you’ll be given an opportunity.”

Shields is also just 26 years old, which gives him time for another contract. And if he keeps improving as they expect, it will again be a big one.

I’m sure there are many things that Sam cherishes even more than the money bestowed upon him – such as his trip to the White House with the rest of the World Champion Packers. And I’m sure a second diamond encrusted Superbowl ring would be nice.

Sam’s rags to riches undrafted free agent success story is one of the great things about the NFL.

I’d like him even better if he would grow a couple inches. That said, I predict that the Packers D will surprise the entire league and end up in the top 10 at least. With the newly drafted guys plugging holes, a lot of injured guys coming back, and the guys making a big step from years 1 and 2 to years 2 and 3, you all will be very, very, surprised. And don’t forget we have one heck of an offense to help keep them off the field. GO PACK

One thing to mention in the Sam Shields story is that the Giants offered him a 10K signing bonus.

His agent advised him that the Packers have the reputation of having the best players play regardless of salary or draft position and they give undrafted players a fair shot at making the team.

So Shields signed with the Packers for $2500 less. His agent has reaped the rewards for such good advice. Sam Shields now enhances that Packers’ reputation among agents.

BTW when the Packers signed Shields the vikings drafted Chris Cook in the 2nd round. Cook was arrested multiple times, paid big 2nd round money by the vikings to stay home, and is now with the 49’ers attempting to make their roster.

Good coaching made Sam Shields a great player and the comparison to Chris Cook explains only part of the viking customer’s jealousy and sour comments regarding Super Bowl winner Sam Shields.

Every time I am reminded Sam Shields is taking up ~10 mil of Packer cap space each year for the next 4 years I can’t help but chuckle. Quick, someone remind me how much Letroy Guion is getting again, that is pure gold!